Italian Chicken Casserole

Time :1 hour
Yield :4 servings

Recipe Background

Italian Chicken Casserole is a fantastic twist on the classic chicken casserole, infused with incredible Mediterranean flavors! The chicken is crispy and juicy, the pasta is tender and smothered in a rich sauce and sharp cheese, and every bite is herbaceous and hearty. The Italian Chicken Casserole is a creamy casserole that will have you craving it both before and after eating it!
Italian Chicken Casserole is a fantastic twist on the classic chicken casserole, infused with incredible Mediterranean flavors! The chicken is crispy and juicy, the pasta is tender and smothered in a rich sauce and sharp cheese, and every bite is herbaceous and hearty. The Italian Chicken Casserole is a creamy casserole that will have you craving it both before and after eating it!

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces bowtie farfalle, or preferred shaped pasta, uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless, and cut in 1/2-inch cubes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1/4 cup red bell peppers diced
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
  • 2 tablespoons dry Italian dressing mix
  • 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated and divided

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Prepare a 2-quart casserole dish (11x7- or 9x9-inch) with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package directions to 2-3 minutes shy of al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the cream of chicken soup, milk, and chicken stock, whisking until smooth.
  • Add the cubed cream cheese, stirring until it's melted and fully combined into the sauce.
  • Add in the dressing mix and 2 tablespoons of the parmesan cheese, stirring until fully combined.
  • Add in the partially cooked pasta and toss until well coated and heated through.
  • Place the chicken/pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle the casserole mixture with the remaining 1 tablespoon of the parmesan cheese.
  • Bake until the pasta is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, about 30-40 minutes.
  • Serve.
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